Pastors and Elders/Deacons

I received a question this week regarding whether pastors, elders and deacons should continue in their positions if they divorce.  The Bible gives us indications on the answer or answers here; but it is important that we define what these positions are.  There is a great deal of confusion on the meaning of these words.

In today's world, it is common to call a preacher or minister by the name of "pastor."  This is a misnomer from a Bible standpoint.  The word comes from the Greek word "poimen" which means "shepherd" or "overseer."  A good use of the term can be seen in Acts 20, verses 17 and 28.  In this passage we find Paul calling for the elders (poimen) in Ephesus to come meet with him.  In this particular passage, there are several different words used for these elders including elders, overseers, bishops and shepherds.  They aren't preachers; they are men who have been selected, who have certain qualifications to lead the church in Ephesus, to oversee, to shepherd, to watch over.   

We should look closer at the position of elder in the New Testament.  In Acts 11, right at the end, we see that Christians in Judea needed help due to a famine.  Help was sent: "This they also did, and sent it to the elders..."  Later in chapter 14, verse 23, much preaching was going on.  Speaking of the preachers, it says, "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."  Elders were being established in the various churches.

One might ask what the qualifications are for being an elder (or pastor--same thing)?  This is clearly stated in 1 Timothy chapter 3.  "This is a faithful saying; If a man desires the position of bishop, (Greek word Episkopos, simply meaning elder, or overseer; also used in Acts 20 regarding the Ephesian elders) he desires a good work.  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife...."  Further clarification is given in Titus 1. Paul is speaking to Timothy:  "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.."

Nowhere in the NT is there given any qualification of "preacher."  Anyone can preach the teachings of Jesus.  But specific qualifications are given for the position of elder (or bishop, overseer, shepherd--all the same).  And one of these requirements is that he be the "husband of one wife."  This requirement is not put on the preachers but is made for the overseers.  And note that the term "bishop" is just another word for elder in the NT.

On a side note, the position of "deacon" is not talked about much in the NT, but qualifications are given in I Timothy 3.  Close examination will show that these requirements are not as stringent, that it is an actual position in the church, and that the work is one of servant, worker.  The word comes from the Greek, Diakonos, meaning "servant."

Maybe that is enough for now.  This kind of study seems a bit legalistic, but the Bible is clear on this and we should take note so that we properly follow the pattern for the organization of the church.   Thanks for reading again.  See you next week.